Of What Am I Made?

If any man builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, his work will be shown for what it is . . . —1 Corinthians 3:12-13

How do we know whether our own individual superstructure is comprised of gold, silver, and costly stones?

First, our application of teaching. We must first understand it. Then we must receive it for ourselves. Thereafter, we must make it change us.

Second, our approach to temptation. What do we do when we are tempted? Maybe we are going to face real temptation, but it is up to us whether we resist it or succumb to it.

Third, our attitude toward trials. We cannot avoid trials. Jesus said, "In this world you will have trouble" (John 16:33). As Christians we will face trouble and trials, perhaps even worse than we have known before. Our attitude toward trials will often largely determine what comprises our superstructure. You can look at trials as God's invitation on a silver platter to move up higher, or you can discredit it, show contempt for the trial, and after it is over be no better off because you refused to dignify it.

There is a fourth way of finding out what you are made of, and it is probably the main one: our ability with the tongue. In Matthew 12:36-37, Jesus described the day of judgment:

But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.

That does not refer to whether you are saved or lost, because in the context the person has already been assumed to be saved. Here He is talking about our words. What you and I actually say will in all probability be what gets us into trouble and will grieve the Holy Spirit. I guarantee you, gold, silver, and costly stones will be our own superstructure largely to the degree to which you and I control our tongues.

More From By Love Transformed

Your Turn

Please be considerate and respectful of your fellow posters. If Jesus and your mother would not approve of your writing, you should revise your comment before submitting.

Use standard writing style and punctuation. Complete sentences and proper grammar will help others understand you.

Do not use profanity, obscenities, abusive language or otherwise objectionable content (as determined by Charisma Media moderators, in their sole discretion). Comments should not harass, abuse or threaten another's personal safety or property, make false statements, defame or impersonate someone else.

Do not question others' faith just because you disagree with them. It adds nothing to the discussion and only causes strife.

Do not question why someone comes to this website just because they disagree with you or the content of the article.

Do not post personal information including phone numbers, email or mailing addresses, or credit card information belonging to you or others.

Do not include copyrighted content or other intellectual property that you do not own or have the explicit rights or lisenses to distribute.

Do not post, directly or through links, viruses, misleading, malicious or off-topic content.

Please consider the following statements pertaining to comments posted by you and other visitors to our website:

Appearance of comments, advertisements or hyperlinks made by other commenters on this site do not necessarily indicate or constitute acceptance of or endorsement of the products, companies, corporations, ministries, organizations or agencies in whole or in part by staff members and/or the members of the editorial board of Charisma Media.

Comments are not pre-screened before they post. Charisma Media reserves the right to modify or remove any comment that does not comply with the above guidelines and to deny access of your Disqus account to make additional comments to the website without any notice. If you have been denied access to comment due to a violation of these terms please do not create multiple accounts in an attempt to circumvent the system. The correct course of action is to request a review of your account status by contacting webmaster@charismamedia.com.

Charisma Media is not responsible or liable in any way for comments posted by its users.

If you believe a comment is in violation of the above guidelines, U.S. law or International treaties, or is legitimate "trolling" please flag the post or contact webmaster@charismamedia.com. Include a link to the comment, along with a statement explaining what you believe the violation is and any evidence backing your claim. Charisma Media moderators will consider your request and decide on the most appropriate action.